For acute asthma attacks managed in the emergency department, what is one of the primary treatments?

In the context of managing acute asthma attacks, short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) are considered one of the primary treatments administered in the emergency department. SABAs, such as albuterol, work quickly to relax the muscles of the airways, leading to bronchodilation. This is crucial during an acute asthma episode because it results in an immediate improvement in airflow and relief of symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath.

SABAs are typically inhaled, which allows for rapid delivery of the medication directly to the lungs, providing quick relief. They are often the first line of treatment for acute exacerbations because their onset of action is fast, usually within minutes, making them essential for emergency situations.

In contrast, inhaled corticosteroids are more effective for long-term management and prevention of asthma symptoms but do not provide immediate relief during acute episodes. Antibiotics are not indicated for asthma attacks unless there is a coexisting bacterial infection. Long-acting bronchodilators are not suitable for the management of acute symptoms due to their slower onset of action and are typically used for chronic asthma control.